Profiles in Music
A.C.E’s JUNHEE’s Next Bold Move
JUNHEE never imagined he’d be a CEO of his own company. But now, with a debut album coming out in September under his own label, the leader is looking back at a wildly successful year. “I think life has a way of leading you down unexpected paths,” he says in this new interview.
Profiles in Music
The Trailblazer
In his follow up to blanc, JUNNY set out to make “an R&B version of an opera”. The result is an ambitious album that defies convention and never plays it safe.
Listening Booth
X FACTOR
A decade into their career, MONSTA X are at a creative peak with their new EP THE X.
In-depth profiles about leading independent Asian musicians.
the roookies
Minh Is Just Beginning to Find His Potential
For the past four months, Minh’s music has made gains on streaming services. In his first interview, he reflects on his new EP’s momentum and why he became a self-made musician.
Meet West of Eden, A Giant Group Much Larger Than It’s Four Artists
The Seattle-based group succeeds because of their strong friendship and an extremely creative team of designers, producers, videographers, photographers and artists.
Yel Is Turning Her Best Memories Into Works of Art
The California-based singer-songwriter makes dreamy, romantic music that is becoming a smash hit on streaming services.
Hikaru Utada’s Science Fiction retrospective, reviewed
Profiles in Music
After more than 25 years in the industry, Crystal Kay is regarded as a pioneer of J-R&B and J-Pop. Now, about to embark on her first North American tour, she is just beginning to grapple with the meaning of her legacy.
Essays from the frontlines of K-Pop and beyond.
critically speaking
From Rain to Kai, San and from20: How Male Sexuality Has Evolved in K-Pop
A new generation of male idols are embracing a fluid view of sexuality. It’s a major course correction from years’ past.
NewJeans Was the Future of K-Pop. Can KATSEYE Revolutionize That Vision?
A year ago, HYBE’s flagship girl group NewJeans declared war on the company. Now, a new girl group is looking to conceptualize HYBE’s vision for K-Pop without the “K”.
BoA in Japan: Soft Powers and Teenage Dreams
In 2001, BoA was the first of her kind: a K-Pop star landing number one’s in Japan. Her success transformed K-Pop into a global super power.
Essential reading from the API music scene
and all the rest….
As Kep1er Celebrates a Billboard Debut, A New Era Begins
Their sixth EP “TIPI-TAP” offers a new sound and an intriguing pivot for a group who has outlasted many project groups.
Bobo.Xx Knows This Pain Will Be Useful One Day
In a new interview, the singer opens up for the first time about the lifelong challenges that inspired his punchy new single “TELL ME WHY”.
Anxieties and Strange Vibes Abound. Dru Chen and Juju B. Goode Can Help.
Two forward thinking independent artists release fresh takes on love, loneliness, and anxiety.
For 82MAJOR, Success Is Built Off of Friendship and Hard Work
In a new interview, the group discusses their second mini album X-82 and how their friendship makes them an unstoppable rookie group.
How Nicole Han Transformed Her Heartbreak Into Empowerment
Nicole Han’s first EP was “sad girl” songs. Her new music reflects a newfound freedom and power.
VANNER Soar to New Heights with “BURN”
Five years after their debut, VANNER notches a hit single and their first music show win.
The K-Pop Industry Will Never Change
After Seunghan's removal from RIIZE, how at fault are K-Pop's toxic fandoms?
On Witnessing Cha Eun-Woo’s Pain
After Moonbin’s death, ASTRO’s Cha Eun-Woo wrote an EP titled “Entity” to remember him. Can grief and darker emotions find a place in K-Pop?
“Escaper” Is The Electrifying Debut Sarah Kinsley Deserves
Her new album is a singular force that proves there are so few artists making music as audacious and bold as Sarah Kinsley.
Dru Chen Is Turning The Mirror On Himself
The singer-songwriter has been recording thoughtful, soulful music for over a decade. Now, at an artistic peak, Chen is looking back at a brilliant catalog with the first major, in-depth interview of his career.
How Orion Song Found His Voice Making “Time Machine”
Singer-songwriter Orion Song wanted to produce an EP that celebrated R&B’s history and sound. In the process, he found his artistic voice.
f(x) Influenced a New Generation of K-Pop. Why Are They Not Remembered?
The group debuted fifteen years ago today and quickly transformed K-Pop. But in an industry that prioritizes innovation, the group’s albums remain out of print and their music is rarely written about.
G. Nine Is Creating a New Future Classic
His last EP Closure was a surprise success. Now G. Nine is moving quickly to expand his audience — and cement his artistry with “Bad News”.
Roman Kayz Returns with an Electric “Fallout”
Roman Kayz has never sounded as charismatic or as bold as he does on “Fallout”. Here the new single now.
For brynne, a Viral Single Is Thanks to Friendship and Luck
“why do i still see u?” was never supposed to be brynne’s first viral single. But through a supportive group of friends and hard work, he’s reached 100k streams.
semmi Debuts. Finally.
semmi’s debut single “armageddon” is a year in the making and a pop punk masterpiece.
Jaie Takes the Plunge
Following one of the darkest periods of her life, Jaie turned to music and created her debut album, “Night Swim”.
beabaoodee and NIKI Are Tired of Being Strong Girls
Across two new albums, beabadoobee and NIKI use their distinct brands of storytelling to turn the mirror back to themselves. The results are nothing short of compelling.
What Home Means to Sam Kim
In 2016, a 17-year old Sam Kim debuted with an EP that made him a prodigy. Today, his search for home and the meaning of his Korean American identity still resonates.
KISS OF LIFE’s “Sticky” is the Vibe for a Hot, Sweaty Summer
Summer is a scorcher, and so are these five tracks from API artists, both independent musicians and idols from K-Pop.